DIY Ceiling Hangings

Whether you want to install a decorative lamp, a piece of sculpture or a privacy curtain, sometimes hanging it directly from the ceiling is the only solution. Hanging items from the ceiling frees up wall space for artwork or shelving, and can help to optimally position a lamp or curtain. Many people are reluctant to hang anything from the ceiling, because of the frightening prospect of a heavy object falling from above. Fortunately, with the right tools and preparation, you can safely hang all but the heaviest items from the ceiling yourself.

Cordless drill
Drill bits
Metal toggle bolts
Safety glasses

Instructions

- 1
  Hold the item in place against the ceiling, and mark the spot on the ceiling where the object should hang. Do not proceed until you are sure that the object has been positioned correctly.
- 2
  Fit a cordless drill with a bit that is just wider than the folded wings on a metal toggle bolt. Pinch the spring-loaded wings closed on the toggle bolt, and hold your drill bits alongside the collapsed toggle to select the bit with the correct diameter.
- 3
  Put on a pair of safety glasses, and drill a hole in the ceiling at the marked hanging point. Drill until the bit passes through the ceiling easily. Repeat this process for any other hanging points required to suspend the object from the ceiling.
- 4
  Position the hanger for your object in line with the hole. Pinch the wings closed on the metal toggle bolt, and insert the bolt into the hole. The wings will open up on the opposite side of the ceiling.
- 5
  Pull the toggle bolt gently downward to hold the wings against the opposite side of the ceiling, and tighten the toggle bolt until it holds the hanger firmly in place.

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